Grant: Pudge worth Johnny Bench's weight in gold (archives)

Editor's note: This story first appeared in the Nov. 7, 2001 editions of The Dallas Morning News.

It's official: Ivan Rodriguez and Johnny Bench, long considered the
greatest catcher in history, are equals.

Rodriguez, who earlier in the year tied Bench for the most
consecutive All-Star game starts by a catcher, won his 10th
consecutive Gold Glove award for fielding excellence Tuesday. That
ties Bench for the most Gold Gloves by a catcher.

The all-time record for Gold Gloves belongs to third baseman Brooks
Robinson, who won 16.

"I'll be almost disappointed if he doesn't pass me now," Bench
said. "I can see 12, 13 or 14 for him without question. Then it's
up to him to figure out if he can still do the things necessary to
go behind the plate everyday.

"As long as nothing happens to his elbow, I don't see why he would
stop winning these things."

Bench did suggest that Rodriguez take more regular days off from
catching to keep himself fresher longer. Rodriguez, who started
running Monday for the first time after season-ending knee surgery
in September, said that "might be a great idea."

Rodriguez won the award once again on the strength of his arm and
his ability to squash the opponent's running game. He threw out 23
of 46 base runners, the fourth time in the last five seasons he has
caught at least 50 percent of those who tried to steal.

Winners are selected by managers and coaches in their league prior
to the end of the regular season. Managers and coaches may not vote
for their own players.

To post a comment, log into your chosen social network and then add your comment below. Your comments are subject to our Terms of Service and the privacy policy and terms of service of your social network. If you do not want to comment with a social network, please consider writing a letter to the editor.